By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
MSW Alumna, Morgan Humberger
Former University of Texas at Arlington Master of Social Work student Morgan Humberger recently published an article in the Journal of College Health titled “The Association Between Affirming Language, Self-compassion, Stigma, and Recovery Capital for those Affiliated With Collegiate Recovery Programs.” The article, based on her MSW thesis work, was co-authored with her committee members from the UTA School of Social Work, Dr. Micki Washburn, Dr. Rachel Voth Schrag and Dr. De’An Roper.
Humberger’s research bridges her academic background in professional writing and rhetoric with her lived and professional experiences in collegiate recovery. She previously participated in Baylor University’s recovery program as an undergraduate and later served as collegiate recovery coordinator at UC San Diego while completing her MSW at UTA.
“Collegiate recovery played a significant role in my life,” she said. “I felt driven to contribute meaningful research that could help the field better support students on their recovery journey.”
Her thesis committee guided her research from a passionate idea to a publishable study.
“I came in with a broad idea of what I wanted to research,” Humberger said. “My committee really helped me narrow it down and figure out how to actually approach the project. Being published as a first author on my very first research paper is something I know doesn’t happen often, and I really appreciate the support they gave me to make that happen.”
Dr. Micki Washburn said Humberger’s lived experience brought both depth and authenticity to the work.
“She had been a student in recovery and also directed a recovery program,” Washburn said. “She was able to draw from both her personal and professional experience and use her networks to support data collection.”
The article emphasizes the power of affirming language in reducing stigma and supporting long-term recovery among college students. Washburn noted that language matters deeply to those in recovery, and this work helps social work practitioners be more intentional.
“For example, saying someone is ‘in sustained recovery’ rather than a ‘former addict’ or ‘alcoholic’ preserves dignity,” she said. “Her work also reminds us that substance misuse is a vital part of student health and wellness conversations.”
Dr. Rachel Voth Schrag said Humberger’s work is a model of practice-informed research.
“She had an important question developed from her practice experience, and then applied research approaches to build knowledge that will help the field provide better, more competent support to students in the future,” she said.
For Humberger, one of the key takeaways is the importance of meeting people where they are.
“Recovery is a deeply personal journey,” she said. “Rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach, take the time to have a conversation. Ask what recovery means to them and what language they prefer. Respecting their choices supports dignity, empowerment, and healing.”
Since graduating in August 2022, Humberger has taken her skills into a new arena. She now works as an embedded preventive behavioral health specialist for the United States Marine Corps.
While her current role doesn’t directly involve collegiate recovery, the lessons from her research still shape how she communicates about substance use, especially in prevention and training efforts.
“I emphasize the use of affirming, person-centered language to reduce stigma and create a more supportive environment for Marines and Sailors,” she said. “That foundation came from my time at UTA.”
Dr. Washburn said Humberger’s work also highlights the importance of supporting recovery communities on college campuses—something UTA and other colleges could strengthen.
“We have a campus recovery program on paper, but it’s not very active or visible,” she said. “Morgan’s research helps raise awareness that campus recovery communities are a thing—and they matter.”
